Tourism needs to focus on local initiatives to support local people

The world is experiencing transformative change with technology developments, demographic changes, changing consumer habits, environmental and climate change. So to build for the future a new emphasis is needed. Local initiatives to support local people

Frankincense Tree - Dhofar - Oman
Frankincense Tree – Dhofar – Oman

These together with continued inequalities and the immense impacts of the COVID-19 have created a new approach, the Continue reading “Tourism needs to focus on local initiatives to support local people”

OMAN’S TRAVEL REGULATIONS IN WINTER 2020/2021

Oman’s Travel Regulations in Winter 2020/2021

to help understand the rapidly changing rules for Oman Visa 2020/2021ย .

Visa Entry & Exit stamps UAE & Oman

Visa Entry & Exit stamps UAE & Oman

Always check on Oman government websites & with your airline before travelling to get the latest update.
Tourist aArrivals should have health insurance, return ticket, passport validity of at least six months on arrival date, and Continue reading “OMAN’S TRAVEL REGULATIONS IN WINTER 2020/2021”

New Government Ministries and Ministers in Oman created by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has made many Royal Decrees about Government Ministries (see below) and under Royal Decree No. 111/2020 created New Ministers in Oman. (see here for 2022 update)

Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi is appointed Continue readingNew Government Ministries and Ministers in Oman created by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said

Oman’s New Tourism Regulations includes mandatory Insurance policy by the tourist

Oman’s New Tourism Regulations have been issued by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism for the return of in-bound tourism to Oman.

Tour Group Muscat Oman
Tour Group Muscat Oman

In addition to following the preventive measures needed by the Supreme Committee on COVID-19 at their offices, the ministry said the operators must ensure that travellers have a medical certificate or required permits issued before travelling.

All reservations should be made through the internet, preferable with on-line or contactless payments.

Tours for groups should not exceed 15 people – and while on tour physical distancing should be observed with signed reminders.

Turtle Watching Oman
Turtle Watching Oman

Medical coverage insurance will be compulsory for all travellers before finalising any booking.

When a tourist arrives the following procedures should be followed.

The number of people entering the hotel reception area to be limited.

Social distancing requirements should be observed and clean waiting areas with water bottles are to be provided.

At hotel check-in, online registration is prefered and where a physical document is required separate pens should be used for each guest.

An a-la-carte menu is to be offered in hotels and restaurants.not a buffet.

Tour guides should have a digital thermometer to drivers for temperature checks of the guests.

 

Source

Succession in Oman after the death of Sultan Qaboos

The much mourned death of Sultan Qaboos now means that Omanโ€™s law of succession comes into force.

Sultan Qaboos Al Said
Sultan Qaboos Al Said

Sultan Qaboos, who has ruled Oman since 1970, drew up Continue reading “Succession in Oman after the death of Sultan Qaboos”

St. Francis Xavier Church – Salalah Oman

Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla โ€“ the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio (diplomat) to Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Qatar (strangely he doesn’t look after Oman) – and Dr. Ahmed Khamis Masood Al Bahri, director in Omanโ€™s Ministry of Religious Endowments and Religious Affairs of Oman inaugurated St. Francis Xavier Church in Salalah, Oman.

St. Francis Xavier in Salalah
Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla , Dr. Ahmed Khamis Masood Al Bahri & Bishop Paul Hinder

The event was celebrated Continue reading “St. Francis Xavier Church – Salalah Oman”

Six Senses Hotel Group is brought by Intercontinental Hotels giving the group extra impact on Oman's tourism business

Intercontinental Hotels (IHG) has purchased the award-winning Six Senses brand from private equity fund Pegasus Capital Advisors for USD 300 million. The sale includes the management of Six Sensesย  16 hotels and resorts, along with Spas and subsidiary groups Evason and Raison d’Etre. Following the acquisition, Six Senses is now expected to grow to 60 hotels within the next 10 years.

Zighy Bay Hotel Musandam Oman
Zighy Bay Hotel Musandam Oman

Six Senses currently manages Continue readingSix Senses Hotel Group is brought by Intercontinental Hotels giving the group extra impact on Oman’s tourism business

FERRY SERVICE FOR OMAN FROM QATAR? as Qatar is trying to establish a Ferry Service

A Ferry Service for Oman from Qatar and Kuwait might be launching soon.

Grand Ferry via Abdul Basit The Peninsula
Grand Ferry via Abdul Basit The Peninsula

This seems to be being organized fromย  Continue readingFERRY SERVICE FOR OMAN FROM QATAR? as Qatar is trying to establish a Ferry Service

JW Marriott Muscat opening 2019

The new JW Marriott Muscat is likely to open by mid-summer 2019.

JW Marriott Muscat
JW Marriott Muscat

This is a push back from a 2018ย opening that was originally planned. Financed by Qatar National Bank the hotel is located within the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Continue readingJW Marriott Muscat opening 2019

Duqm Refinery

Duqm Refineryย has achieved full finance on its pathย to becoming a driver in Oman’s economic diversification.

One of Omanโ€™s economic objectives is to diversify its income, and the strategies include adding value to raw materials, leverage its geographical location and maximize local manpower skill sets.

Ras Markaz Oman
Ras Markaz Oman

The new โ€œDuqm Refineryโ€ at Ras Markaz Continue reading “Duqm Refinery”

Oman Oil and ORPIC will Merge

Omanโ€™s Government-owned Oman Oil and ORPIC will merge their ‘downstream businesses’, effectively from 2nd December 2018.

Oil Tanker - Muscat
Oil Tanker – Muscat

This merger is intended to be phase one to integrate their entire businesses. The CEO of the combined company will be Musab Abdullah al Mahruqi, he was previously the CEO of ORPIC from April 2010-Dec 2016 and is currently on the Board of Directors with PDO, Omanโ€™s Oil Exploration business. Continue reading “Oman Oil and ORPIC will Merge”